Wedding Planning

What Wedding Vendors Should I Book and When?

September 15, 2022

Congratulations on your engagement! Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting and magical times for couples. As you plan for this special day, it can be challenging to figure out the who, when, and what of wedding vendors. We're here to tell you, don't fret! Updos For I Dos has been providing brides and their bridal parties with hair and makeup services for almost two decades now, and we have a pretty good idea of what stress-free wedding planning looks like! Continue reading for our suggestions on who to book for your wedding, when to book, and why to lock in your professional wedding vendors.

Living Radiant Photography

When Should I Book My Wedding Vendors?

As you begin your wedding planning process, the very first step is to decide on your ideal wedding budget. This is so crucial as this first step sets the pace for who, when, and what wedding vendors you book.

Now that your budget is established, typically, the first wedding vendors to book are the venue, the photography and videography team, and the wedding planner. Where you go from here really just depends on what is at the top of your priority list! If there is a caterer or bartender that you absolutely MUST work with, lock that vendor in next. If you are looking to select particular artists for your hair and makeup team, secure those vendors next!

Here is an example wedding planning timeline, with a year and a half engagement period:

16-18 months: Book your dream venue

16-18 months: Book your top-notch photographer & videographer

16-18 months: Book a professional planner/partial planner/day-of coordinator

12+ months: Book your fabulous on-site hair and makeup team

12 months: Book delicious catering, bar services, florist, rentals, and DJ

8-12 months: Book your photobooth and desserts

6-12 months: Schedule your hair and makeup trial 

6-8 months: Book transportation (if needed)

3-6 months: Have a blast on your bachelorette

3-6 months: Order any custom napkins, decorations, and signage

3 months: Celebrate your upcoming wedding at your stunning Bridal Shower

1-3 months: Hand over all planning to your Partial Wedding Coordinator

1 month: Stay hydrated and rest as much as possible in preparation for your wedding day!

At the end of the day, it really comes down to what vendors are most important to you to secure. Once you’ve established which wedding vendors are your highest priority, work your way down that list!

What Wedding Vendors Should I Book?

Once your wedding budget is established, it's time for research, research, and more research! If you have friends that were recently married, ask for their vendor suggestions! Who did they work with? What was their experience like working with their vendors? We cannot stress this enough, it is so important that you feel completely comfortable and confident with every single wedding vendor you book. If you have any feelings of hesitation or doubt, keep researching until you find the vendor that makes you feel secure.

Brad Barnwell Photography
After The Tone

At Updos For I Dos, we fully understand how big of a deal your wedding day is. (It's a HUGE deal!) We truly care for each and everyone of our brides and their bridal parties. We want every member that sits in our chair to know that we are here for support and that we want them to feel the most beautiful that they've ever felt.

Why Should I Book Professional Wedding Vendors?

When it comes to an event as important and momentous as your wedding day, it's so crucial to book professional vendors that can deliver the results you’re looking for and beyond! Professional wedding vendors come with experience, peace of mind, insurance, back-up equipment at the ready, access to other top-notch professionals in their network, and a team of skilled individuals to ensure your day is executed flawlessly.

Anna Schmidt Photography

With so many different aspects to consider, making sure that you cover everything and don’t forget any important details can feel overwhelming. Despite the temptation to cut corners and opt for more DIY solutions, it is always best to book professional wedding vendors to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish. From the photographer to the caterer to premier hair and makeup teams, you'll be so thankful that you hired the pro's to take care of you and your big day!

Summing Up: How To Select Your Wedding Vendors

As you navigate the planning process for your big day, it's important to remember that booking wedding vendors that fit you as a couple is a key component of making your dream wedding come true. With so many different options out there, it can be difficult to figure out which vendors to book and when. But don’t worry – Updos For I Dos has been doing this for almost twenty years, and we’re here to help you through it!

Mary Bell Photography

Booking professional vendors is essential in order to make sure that everything runs smoothly and as expected. Once you've secured your date, venue, and photo/video teams, work your way down your list of priorities! When you're ready to secure your top-notch on-site hair and makeup team, inquire with us here! We offer bridal hair and makeup services that will help ensure you and your bridal party look and feel your most beautiful on your big day. With Updos For I Dos, we make it simple to book stress-free bridal hair and makeup services so you can enjoy every second of your special day.

Congratulations on your engagement - now let the fun begin!